Novel composition

ABSTRACT

There is provided inter alia an aqueous solution composition of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0 comprising: —daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof; —a divalent metal cation; and —optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least one ionisable group with a pK a  in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and which pK a  is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition; wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM.

This invention relates to aqueous solution compositions of daptomycin, in particular at low buffer concentrations.

BACKGROUND

Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibacterial agent derived from the fermentation of Streptomyces roseosporus and is produced by Merck & Co., Inc. as an antibacterial agent for use in humans under the brand name of Cubicin®. Cubicin® is supplied in a single-use vial as a sterile, preservative-free, lyophilized cake containing 500 mg of daptomycin for intravenous (IV) use following reconstitution with 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Cubicin® is indicated for the treatment of the complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), and for the treatment of Staphylococcus Aureus bloodstream infections (bacteremia).

Cubicin® should be administered intravenously either by injection over a two minute period or by infusion over a thirty minute period. The treatment regimen is typically once every 24 hours for 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the indication.

Lyophilized daptomycin is reconstituted shortly before use because in currently available formulations, once reconstituted, the daptomycin will degrade via, inter alia, hydrolysis. The need to reconstitute the lyophilised preparation of daptomycin prior to the IV injection or IV infusion is a considerable complication of the administration procedure. Therefore, developing a stable liquid composition of daptomycin is very desirable, potentially leading to a significant simplification of the administration as well as improving the safety of the delivery due to reduced likelihood of error during the complex procedure for reconstitution and preparation of the solution for infusion.

The liquid formulation of daptomycin must meet a number of criteria in order to be approved for use in humans, including:

-   -   good physical stability (i.e. minimal aggregation and no gel         formation during storage and use)     -   good chemical stability (i.e. impurity levels within specified         limits)     -   minimal or no injection site reaction (e.g. pain on injection,         reddening of the injection site)     -   acceptable safety profile.

The objective of the present invention is the provision of a liquid formulation of daptomycin, particularly at high strength such as at 50 mg/ml, which has good physical and chemical stability and is suitable for intravenous use in humans.

In particular, the objective of the present invention is the provision of a stable liquid formulation of daptomycin (for example, at 50 mg/ml) that is suitable for an IV delivery (either as an IV injection or as an IV infusion).

WO2011/035108A1 and WO2011/062676A1 (both EAGLE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.) disclose compositions containing daptomycin which are said to have long term storage stability.

WO2018/073269A1 (XELLIA PHARMACEUTICALS APS) discloses formulations comprising daptomycin, one or more polar protic solvents, and mixtures thereof.

US2002/0111311A1 (GOVARDHAN ET AL.) discloses methods of preparing daptomycin in crystalline form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0 comprising:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof; and     -   a divalent metal cation; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and         which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are stable aqueous solution compositions of daptomycin and a divalent cation, wherein the compositions have no or very low concentration of buffer.

Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibacterial agent with chemical name N-decanoyl-L-tryptophyl-D-asparaginyl-L-aspartyl-Lthreonylglycyl-L-ornithyl-L-aspartyl-D-alanyl-L-aspartylglycyl-D-seryl-threo-3-methyl-L-glutamyl-3-anthraniloyl-L-alanine ε1-lactone. Daptomycin is also known as LY 146032, and is a member of the factor A-219780₀ type antibacterial agents of Streptomyces roseosporus. The chemical structure of daptomycin is:

The empirical formula of daptomycin is C₇₂H₁₀N₁₇O₂₆ and its molecular weight is 1619.71.

Analogues of daptomycin include A-219780₀ type antibacterial agents.

Salts of daptomycin and its analogues thereof may be formed with a suitable counter ion including, but not limited to, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese and zinc.

Compositions containing a higher concentration of daptomycin are of particular interest. Formulating aqueous peptide therapeutics at higher concentrations is challenging due to increased rate of molecular interactions between the peptide molecules. The increased molecular interactions can lead to greater rate of aggregation, fibril formation as well as other degradation pathways that are due to inter-molecular interactions.

In one embodiment, the concentration of daptomycin in the composition is >25 mg/ml, such as ≥27 mg/ml, ≥30 mg/ml, ≥35 mg/ml, ≥40 mg/ml, ≥45 mg/ml or ≥50 mg/ml and e.g. up to around 100 mg/ml. In one embodiment, the concentration of daptomycin in the composition is 30-100 mg/ml such as 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml or 45-55 mg/ml. In one embodiment, the concentration of daptomycin in the composition is about 50 mg/ml.

The term “aqueous solution composition”, as used herein, refers to a solution composition in water, preferably distilled water, deionized water, water for injection, sterile water for injection or bacteriostatic water for injection.

The composition of the invention comprises water in an amount of at least 65% (w/v), such as at least 70% (w/v), at least 75% (w/v), at least 80% (w/v), at least 85% (w/v), or at least 90% (w/v).

In one embodiment, the composition solvent comprises (based on volume) at least 80% water, such as at least 85% water, at least 90% water, at least 95% water or at least 99% water. In one embodiment, the solvent is water i.e. the only solvent present in the composition is water.

The present inventors have discovered that the adjustment of certain composition parameters and the addition of certain additives to the composition, can provide daptomycin compositions with improved chemical and/or physical stability.

Firstly, the present inventors have discovered that in certain damptomycin compositions, the presence of a divalent metal ion can improve the stability of the daptomycin. As can be seen in Example 1, both calcium chloride and magnesium chloride improved the stability of daptomycin, with calcium chloride showing the largest effect.

In one embodiment, the divalent metal cation is selected from calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc ions. In one embodiment, the divalent metal cation is calcium ion. In another embodiment, the divalent metal cation is magnesium ion.

The divalent metal cation will typically be added to the composition in the form of a salt e.g. as a chloride salt, a nitrate salt, an acetate salt, a lactate salt or a sulfate salt. The divalent metal cation can also be added to the composition as a hydroxide.

In one embodiment, the concentration of divalent metal cation in the composition is 10-150 mM, such as 20-130 mM, 30-120 mM, 40-100 mM, 40-80 mM or 50-70 mM.

The pH of the composition is between 5.0 and 8.0 and can be, for example, between 5.5 and 7.5. As can be seen from Examples 1 and 2, the optimal pH for daptomycin in the presence of calcium ions for the compositions tested was 6.0-7.0. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the pH of the composition is in the range 6.0 to 7.0. All references herein to “pH” refer to the pH of a composition evaluated at 25° C. When the pH of the composition is in the range 6.0 to 7.0, the composition optionally comprises one or more buffers being substances having at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0 and which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition.

The present inventors have also discovered that in certain daptomycin compositions, the presence of a buffer has a detrimental impact on the stability of the daptomycin, in a concentration-dependent manner. As can be seen in Example 1, the presence of 50 mM of buffer (such as phosphate and ADA) resulted in an impairment in stability of the compositions tested. Example 4 shows that histidine buffer can be deleterious to the stability of the formulation at concentrations of 10 mM or more. Example 4 also shows that ADA buffer can cause instability even at 20 mM. Thus, the concentration of buffer in the composition should be limited as much as possible.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that daptomycin, when formulated at the concentrations and pH ranges described herein, is itself a relatively good buffer. This self-buffering capacity of daptomycin means that the addition of a buffer to the composition is not essential to ensure sufficient buffering capacity, and the present inventors have discovered that the addition of further buffer to the composition can actually be destabilizing. It should be noted that the “total concentration” of buffers in the claimed composition excludes the concentration of daptomycin in the composition. However, when calculating the concentration of buffer in the aqueous solution composition, any counterions in salt forms of daptomycin with buffering capacity should be included in the total concentration of buffer.

In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0-4 mM, such as 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0-3 mM, such as 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0-2 mM, such as 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0-1 mM, such as 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM.

In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.1-4 mM, such as 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.1-3 mM, such as 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.1-2 mM, such as 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.1-1 mM, such as 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM.

In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.2-5 mM such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.2-4 mM, such as 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.2-3 mM, such as 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.2-2 mM, such as 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.2-1 mM, such as 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM.

In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.3-4 mM, such as 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.3-3 mM, such as 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.3-2 mM, such as 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.3-1 mM, such as 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM.

In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.4-4 mM such as 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.4-3 mM, such as 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.4-2 mM, such as 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM.

In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.5-4 mM such as 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.5-3 mM, such as 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM. In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the solution is 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one embodiment, the total concentration of buffers in the composition is ≤5 mM, such as ≤4 mM, ≤3 mM, ≤2 mM, ≤1 mM, ≤0.5 mM, 0.4 mM, 0.3 mM, ≤0.2 mM or ≤0.1 mM.

In one embodiment, the composition is substantially free of buffer. As used herein, “substantially free” means the total concentration of buffers in the aqueous solution composition is less than 0.1 mM. To reiterate, when considering the concentration of buffer in the solution composition, any buffering capacity of the daptomycin itself should be excluded. In one embodiment, the composition does not contain buffer.

The buffer(s) where present will have buffering capacity at the pH of the composition. Buffers typically comprise ionisable groups with pK_(a) within 1 pH unit of the pH of the composition, however, a moiety which has ionisable groups with pK_(a) more than 1 pH unit greater or less than the pH of the composition may also provide some buffering effect if present in a sufficient amount. In one embodiment, the (or a) buffer comprises ionisable groups with pK_(a) within 1 pH unit of the pH of the composition. In another embodiment, the (or a) buffer comprises ionisable groups with pK_(a) within 1.5 pH units of the pH of the composition (such as between 1 and 1.5 pH units of the pH of the composition). In a further embodiment, the (or a) buffer comprises ionisable groups with pK_(a) within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition (such as between 1.5 and 2 pH units of the pH of the composition). Buffering capacity is suitably determined at 25° C.

Compositions which are substantially free of buffers are suitably substantially free of substances having at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) which is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition.

In an embodiment, the composition contains a single buffer. In an embodiment, the composition contains two buffers.

In one embodiment, the composition contains a buffer with a single ionisable group. In one embodiment, the composition does not contain zwitterionic species.

The pH of an aqueous solution decreases if an acid is added and increases if a base is added. At a given temperature and atmospheric pressure, the magnitude of the pH decrease on addition of an acid or the magnitude of the pH increase on addition of a base depends on (1) the amount of the acid or the base added, (2) the starting pH of the aqueous solution (i.e. prior to the addition of the acid or the base) and (3) the presence of a buffer. Thus, (1) starting from a given pH, the addition of a greater amount of an acid or a base will result in greater magnitude of pH change, (2) addition of a given amount of an acid or a base will result in the greatest pH change at neutral pH (i.e. pH 7.0) and the magnitude of the pH change will decrease as the starting pH moves away from pH 7.0 and (3) the magnitude of the pH change, starting from a given pH, will be smaller in the presence of a buffer than in the absence of a buffer. A buffer thus has the ability to reduce the change in pH if an acid or a base is added to the solution.

Suitably, a substance is considered to be a buffer if it is capable of reducing the magnitude of the pH change of a solution to 75%, preferably 50%, most preferably to 25%, compared with an identical solution that does not comprise the buffer, when either strong acid or a strong base is added resulting in 0.1 mM increase of the acid or the base in the solution.

Conversely, suitably, a substance is not considered to be a buffer if it is not capable of reducing the magnitude of the pH change of a solution to 75%, preferably 50%, most preferably to 25%, compared with an identical solution that does not comprise the substance, when either strong acid or a strong base is added resulting in 0.1 mM increase of the acid or the base in the solution.

In one embodiment, the or a buffer is an amino acid. In another embodiment, the or a buffer is not an amino acid.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises a buffer or buffers selected from the group consisting of maleate, sulphite, glyoxylate, aspartame, glucuronate, aspartate, glutamate, tartrate, gluconate, lactate, glycolic acid, adenine, succinate, ascorbate, benzoate, phenylacetate, gallate, cytosine, p-aminobenzoic acid, sorbate, acetate, propionate, alginate, urate, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulphonic acid, bicarbonate, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) iminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane, N-(2-acetamido)-2-iminodiacetic acid, 2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)amino]ethanesulphonic acid, piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulphonic acid) (PIPES), phosphate, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid, 3-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid, triethanolamine, piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid), 2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-(carboxymethyl)amino]acetic acid (ADA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, N-tris(hydroxymethyl)glycine and N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-am inopropanesulphonic acid, and salts thereof, and combinations thereof. Such buffers contain ionisable groups with pK_(a) in the range 3.0-9.0.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises a buffer or buffers selected from the group consisting of maleate, sulphite, aspartame, aspartate, glutamate, tartrate, adenine, succinate, ascorbate, benzoate, phenylacetate, gallate, cytosine, p-aminobenzoic acid, sorbate, acetate, propionate, alginate, urate, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulphonic acid, bicarbonate, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) iminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane, N-(2-acetamido)-2-iminodiacetic acid, 2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)amino]ethanesulphonic acid, piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulphonic acid) (PIPES), phosphate, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid, 3-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid, triethanolamine, piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid), 2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-(carboxymethyl)amino]acetic acid (ADA), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, N-tris(hydroxymethyl)glycine, N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-am inopropanesulphonic acid, citrate and salts thereof, and combinations thereof. Such buffers contain ionisable groups with pK_(a) in the range 4.0-9.0.

In one embodiment, the buffer is selected from the group consisting of maleate, tartrate, lactate, benzoate, acetate, bicarbonate, phosphate, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and citrate, in particular lactate, acetate, phosphate, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and citrate, especially phosphate.

It should be noted that all references to “pK_(a)” refer to the pK_(a) of an ionisable group evaluated at 25° C. (see CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 79^(th) Edition, 1998, D. R. Lide).

The addition of one or more stabilizers to the composition can provide further stability benefits. A stabilizer will be employed in a stabilizing amount.

At certain pH ranges the stabilizers, or indeed any other additives described herein (including chelating agents, amphipathic species etc) may have buffering capacity, e.g. in a composition of pH in the range 5.0-8.0, the stabilizer or additive may have at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition. For the avoidance of doubt, the concentration of such stabilizers or additives should be included in the total concentration of buffers. Such stabilizers or additives are therefore present in the composition at a concentration which is sufficiently low such that the total buffer concentration limitation is met e.g. does not exceed 5 mM.

In one embodiment, the stabilizer is selected from amino acids, particularly natural amino acids, such as α-amino acids. In one embodiment, the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of methionine, glycine, proline, arginine, lysine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, and in particular is selected from the group consisting of consisting of glycine, proline, methionine, arginine, lysine and aspartic acid e.g. is selected from the group consisting of consisting of glycine, proline, methionine, arginine and lysine. Suitably, the amino acid is present at a concentration of 1-200 mM, such as 1-100 mM, 1-50 mM, 1-20 mM, 1-10 mM, 1-5 mM, 1-4 mM, 1-3 mM or 1-2 mM.

In one embodiment, the amino acid is not a buffer at the given pH of the composition i.e. the amino acid does not comprise ionisable groups with pK_(a) within 2 pH units, such as 1.5 pH units or 1 pH unit of the pH of the composition. In one embodiment the amino acid is not histidine.

When the pH of the composition is in the range of 5.0 to 8.0, when present, the amino acid suitably does not have side chains with pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0. In one embodiment, an amino acid is selected from the group consisting of consisting of glycine, proline, methionine, arginine and lysine.

When the pH of the composition is in the range 6.0 to 7.0, when present, the amino acid suitably does not have side chains with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0. In one embodiment, the amino acid is suitably selected from the group consisting of glycine, proline, methionine, arginine, lysine and aspartic acid.

In one embodiment, an amino acid is present in the composition and is glutamic acid, at a concentration of 5 mM or less. In another embodiment, the amino acid is present in the composition and is selected from aspartic acid, at a concentration of 5 mM or less.

The composition may comprise a tonicity modifier, which may be charged or uncharged. In certain embodiments, the tonicity modifier can have a stabilizing effect. Examples of uncharged tonicity modifiers include sugars (such as sucrose, trehalose and lactose), sugar alcohols (such as mannitol and sorbitol), other polyols (such as glycerol and 1,2-propanediol) and polyethylene glycols (such as PEG300 and PEG400). In one embodiment, the uncharged tonicity modifier is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, mannitol, sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, lactose, PEG300 and PEG400. When included, an uncharged tonicity modifier is typically employed in the composition at a concentration of 50-5000 mM, for example 100-1000 mM, such as 100-500 mM, such as 200-400 mM, such as about 300 mM. Examples of charged tonicity modifiers include sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, and amino acids such as glycine or arginine. In one embodiment, the charged tonicity modifier is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, and amino acids such as glycine or arginine, and in particular selected from sodium chloride and sodium sulphate. In one embodiment, the charged tonicity modifier is sodium chloride. Amino acids which have buffering capacity within the pH range of the composition are suitably employed at a concentration which is sufficiently low such that the total buffer concentration does not exceed 5 mM. When included, a charged tonicity modifier such as sodium chloride is typically employed in the composition at a concentration of 50-2000 mM, for example 50-1000 mM, such as 50-500 mM such as 100-200 mM, such as about 150 mM; or at a concentration of 0.1-5 mM such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM or 0.1-1 mM. Alternatively, a charged tonicity modifier such as sodium chloride may be employed in the composition at a concentration of 300 mM or more e.g. 500 mM or more e.g. 500-3000 mM e.g. 1000-2500 mM e.g. e.g. 1500-2500 mM e.g. around 2000 mM. As shown in Example 2 and 3, high concentrations of sodium chloride significantly increased the stability of the compositions of the invention.

The composition may optionally comprise a surfactant, suitably at a concentration of 0.01-10 mg/ml, such as 0.05-2 mg/ml.

In one embodiment, the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant. A particularly suitable class of non-ionic surfactants is the alkyl glycosides, especially dodecyl maltoside. Other alkyl glycosides include dodecyl glucoside, octyl glucoside, octyl maltoside, decyl glucoside, decyl maltoside, tridecyl glucoside, tridecyl maltoside, tetradecyl glucoside, tetradecyl maltoside, hexadecyl glucoside, hexadecyl maltoside, sucrose monooctanoate, sucrose mono decanoate, sucrose monododecanoate, sucrose monotridecanoate, sucrose monotetradecanoate and sucrose monohexadecanoate.

Another suitable class of non-ionic surfactants is the polysorbates (fatty acid esters of ethoxylated sorbitan), such as polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80. Polysorbate 20 is a mono ester formed from lauric acid and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan in which the number 20 indicates the number of oxyethylene groups in the molecule. Polysorbate 80 is a mono ester formed from oleic acid and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan in which the number 20 indicates the number of oxyethylene groups in the molecule. Polysorbate 20 is known under a range of brand names including in particular Tween 20, and also Alkest TW 20. Polysorbate 80 is known under a range of brand names including in particular Tween 80, and also Alkest TW 80. Other suitable polysorbates include polysorbate 40 and polysorbate 60.

Another suitable class of non-ionic surfactants is alkyl ethers of polyethylene glycol, especially those known under a brand name Brij, such as selected from polyethylene glycol (2) hexadecyl ether (Brij 52), polyethylene glycol (2) oleyl ether (Brij 93) and polyethylene glycol (2) dodecyl ether (Brij L4). Other suitable Brij surfactants include polyethylene glycol (4) lauryl ether (Brij 30), polyethylene glycol (10) lauryl ether (Brij 35), polyethylene glycol (20) hexadecyl ether (Brij 58) and polyethylene glycol (10) stearyl ether (Brij 78).

Another suitable class of non-ionic surfactants is block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, also known as poloxamers, especially poloxamer 188, poloxamer 407, poloxamer 171 and poloxamer 185. Poloxamers are also known under brand names Pluronics or Koliphors. For example, poloxamer 188 is marketed as Pluronic F-68.

Another suitable class of non-ionic surfactants are alkylphenyl ethers of polyethylene glycol, especially 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-polyethylene glycol, also known under a brand name Triton X-100.

In one embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl glycoside, a polysorbate, an alkyl ether of polyethylene glycol, a block copolymer of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, and an alkylphenyl ether of polyethylene glycol. In one embodiment, the concentration of the non-ionic surfactant in the composition is 10-10,000 μg/ml, such as 10-8,000 μg/ml, 10-5,000 μg/ml, 10-3,000 μg/ml, 10-2000 μg/ml, 50-1000 μg/ml, 100-500 μg/ml or about 200 μg/ml. In one embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is an alkyl glycoside at a concentration of 10-10,000 μg/ml, such as 100-10,000 μg/ml, 1,000-10,000 μg/ml or 5,000-10,000 μg/ml.

In one embodiment, the surfactant is a cationic surfactant. Suitable cationic surfactants include benzalkonium and benzethonium salts. In one embodiment, the cationic surfactant is selected from benzethonium salts e.g. benzethonium halide such as benzethonium chloride. In another embodiment, the cationic surfactant is selected from benzalkonium salts e.g. benzalkonium halide such as benzalkonium chloride. In a further embodiment, the cationic surfactant is a mixture of benzethonium salts and benzalkonium salts such as a mixture of benzethonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride. In one embodiment, the concentration of the cationic surfactant in the composition is 10-2000 μg/ml, such as 50-1000 μg/ml, 100-500 μg/ml or about 200 μg/ml.

In one embodiment, the surfactant is an anionic surfactant. Suitable anionic surfactants include sodium dodecyl sulfate, ammonium dodecyl sulfate, carboxylate salts (sodium or ammonium salts of stearic or palitic acid), and ether phosphates.

In one embodiment, the surfactant is a zwitterionic surfactant. Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatitylethanolamine and 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS).

Suitably, the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant, as described above.

In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a surfactant and an uncharged tonicity modifier e.g. selected from sugars, sugar alcohols, other polyols and polyethylene glycols. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a surfactant and a charged tonicity modifier, such as sodium chloride or sodium sulphate.

The composition may optionally comprise an antioxidant. In one embodiment, the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of methionine, glutathione, ascorbate, butylated hydroquinone, lactate, nicotinamide, nicotinate, tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine and is suitably selected from methionine, glutathione, ascorbate and butylated hydroquinone, and in particular is methionine. Suitably, the antioxidant is present at a concentration of 1-100 mg/ml, such as 5-50 mg/ml. Without being bound by theory, it is thought that the presence of an antioxidant may improve the chemical and/or physical stability of daptomycin, for example by eliminating free radicals that may play a part in some of the degradation pathways. In one embodiment, the composition comprises two antioxidants e.g. selected from the group consisting of methionine, glutathione, ascorbate, butylated hydroquinone, lactate, nicotinamide, nicotinate, tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine.

The composition may optionally comprise a chelating agent. By chelating agent is meant an agent capable of complexing with metal ions particularly ions of heavy metals such as iron or copper. Trace amounts of these metals can accelerate chemical degradation of daptomycin. Such metals can be introduced into the formulation as trace contaminants of the desirable salts of divalent metals. In one embodiment, the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), EGTA (ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) and citrate. In one embodiment the chelating agent is not histidine.

In one embodiment, the chelating agent is not a buffer at the given pH of the composition i.e. the chelating agent does not comprise ionisable groups with pK_(a) within 2 pH units, such as 1.5 pH units or 1 pH unit of the pH of the composition. The chelating agent, if present, is at a significantly lower concentration that the divalent metal cation. Suitably, the chelating agent is present at a concentration of 0.1-20 mM, such as 0.1-15 mM, 0.1-10 mM, 0.1-5 mM or 0.1-1 mM. Without being bound by theory, although perhaps counterintuitive to add a chelating agent to a composition requiring the presence of a divalent metal cation, it is thought that the presence of a chelating agent well below the concentration of the divalent metal cation may improve the chemical and/or physical stability of daptomycin, for example by eliminating trace quantities of metals cations (in particular heavy metals, e.g. Fe³⁺) that are known to catalyse various degradation pathways. In one embodiment, the chelating agent is a multi-anion. By multi-anion is meant a species which has at least two anionic centres per molecule, at the particular pH of the solution. When the chelating agent is a multi-anion it may be employed as a suitable salt form (e.g. as a sodium salt), or as an acid form which forms a multi-anion in solution.

The composition may optionally comprise a polyanion. In one embodiment, the polyanion is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose and dextran sulfate. Suitably, the polyanion is present at a concentration of 1-10 mg/ml, such as 1-5 mg/ml.

The composition may optionally comprise a polycation. In one embodiment, the polycation is an oligomer of ethyleneimine, in particular an oligomer of ethyleneimine, wherein the number of repeating units of ethyleneimine (n) in the oligomer is in the range 2-12. In one embodiment, the polycation is an oligomer of ethyleneimine selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine and pentaethylenehexamine. In one embodiment, the polycation is TETA. Suitably, the polycation is present at a concentration of 1-10 mg/ml, such as 1-5 mg/ml.

Without being bound by theory, it is thought that the presence of polyions (i.e. polyanions and/or polycations) may improve the physical and/or chemical stability of daptomycin, for example by forming a weak complex and thus preventing interactions between daptomycin molecules that lead to aggregation.

The composition may optionally comprise a charged amphiphilic species. Such a species comprises a charged region and a non-polar (hydrophobic) region. In one embodiment, the non-polar region is a benzene ring. In another embodiment, the non-polar region is an aliphatic chain of four or more carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the charged amphiphilic species is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, 1-naphthoic acid, 2-naphthoic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, cis-cinnamic acid and mandelic acid. In one embodiment, the charged amphiphilic species is benzoic acid, particularly in its ionic form (benzoate ion). In one embodiment, the charged amphiphilic species is not a buffer at the given pH of the composition i.e. the charged amphiphilic species does not comprise ionisable groups with pK_(a) within 2 pH units, such as 1.5 pH units or 1 pH unit of the pH of the composition. Suitably, the charged amphiphilic species is present at a concentration of 1-100 mM, such as 5-20 mM; or at a concentration of 0.1-5 mM such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM or 0.1-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium; and

wherein the aqueous solution composition is substantially free of buffers and particularly is substantially free of substances having at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0, suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0 and which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml; and     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;

wherein the aqueous solution composition is substantially free of buffer, wherein buffer is a substance having at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0, suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/mi, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the total concentration of buffers in the composition is ≤1.1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   a surfactant, suitably a non-ionic surfactant; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM. In one embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is an alkylglycoside such a dodecyl maltoside, suitably at a concentration of 10-10,000 μg/ml.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   an antioxidant, suitably methionine; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   a chelating agent, suitably selected from EDTA, EGTA and         citrate; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   a polyanion, suitably selected from the group consisting of         carboxymethyl cellulose and dextran sulfate; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   a polycation such as an oligomer of ethyleneimine e.g. selected         from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine,         triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine and         pentaethylenehexamine; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   a charged amphiphilic species suitably selected from the group         consisting of benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid,         3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid,         3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid,         phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, 1-naphthoic         acid, 2-naphthoic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, phenylacetic acid,         3-phenylpropionic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, cis-cinnamic acid         and mandelic acid; in particular benzoic acid; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   a tonicity modifier; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   a charged tonicity modifier, such as sodium chloride, at a         concentration of 300 mM or more e.g. 500 mM or more e.g.         500-3000 mM e.g. 1000-2500 mM e.g. e.g. 1500-2500 mM e.g. around         2000 mM; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

In one aspect of the invention is provided an aqueous solution composition of pH 5.0-8.0, suitably pH 6.0-7.0, comprising or consisting of:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, at a         concentration of 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml         or 45-55 mg/ml;     -   a divalent metal cation selected from calcium and magnesium;     -   an amino acid, suitably selected from the group consisting of         consisting of glycine, proline, methionine, arginine, lysine and         aspartic acid; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0,         suitably with pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0; and which pK_(a)         is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM, such as 0-4 mM, 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.1-5 mM, such as 0.1-4 mM, 0.1-3 mM, 0.1-2 mM, 0.1-1 mM, 0.1-0.5 mM, 0.1-0.4 mM, 0.1-0.3 mM or 0.1-0.2 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.2-5 mM, such as 0.2-4 mM, 0.2-3 mM, 0.2-2 mM, 0.2-1 mM, 0.2-0.5 mM, 0.2-0.4 mM or 0.2-0.3 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.3-5 mM, such as 0.3-4 mM, 0.3-3 mM, 0.3-2 mM, 0.3-1 mM, 0.3-0.5 mM or 0.3-0.4 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.4-5 mM, such as 0.4-4 mM, 0.4-3 mM, 0.4-2 mM, 0.4-1 mM or 0.4-0.5 mM; or at a total concentration of 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

The presently claimed invention derives from the surprising observation that compositions comprising daptomycin are stabilized by the addition of divalent metal cations. Such solutions may be further stabilized by minimising the buffer concentration.

Suitably the composition of the invention remains as a clear solution following storage at 2-8° C. for an extended period of time, such as at least 6 months, preferably at least 12 months, most preferably at least 18 months.

Suitably the composition of the invention remains as a clear solution following storage at 25° C. for at least 2 weeks, preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 8 weeks.

Suitably the composition of the invention has improved storage stability either at 2-8° C. or at increased temperature than in an equivalent composition that comprises higher concentration of the same buffer or buffers.

Suitably the composition of the invention has improved storage stability either at 2-8° C. or at increased temperature than in an equivalent composition that does not comprise divalent metal cations.

In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises no more than 5% total impurities, such as no more than 4%, such as no more than 3%, such as no more than 2% total impurities (by total weight of daptomycin in the composition, as measured by RP-HPLC (Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) or a similar suitable technique) following storage at 2-8° C. for at least 6 months, preferably at least 12 months, most preferably at least 18 months.

In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises no more than 5% total impurities, such as no more than 4%, such as no more than 3%, such as no more than 2% total impurities (by total weight of daptomycin in the composition, as measured by RP-HPLC or a similar suitable technique) following storage at 25° C. for at least 2 weeks, preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 8 weeks.

In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises lower level of impurities than a commercially available composition comprising daptomycin (as measured by RP-HPLC or a similar suitable technique) following storage at 2-8° C. for at least 6 months, preferably at least 12 months, most preferably at least 18 months. In one embodiment, the commercially available composition is Cubicin®.

In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises lower level of impurities than a commercially available composition comprising daptomycin (as measured by RP-HPLC or a similar suitable technique) following storage at 25° C. for at least 2 weeks, preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 8 weeks. In one embodiment, the commercially available composition is Cubicin®.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of improving the stability of an aqueous solution composition comprising daptomycin of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0, which comprises adding to the composition a divalent metal cation and maintaining a low buffer concentration, wherein the buffer(s) is(are) a substance having at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition; and wherein the buffer(s) is(are) present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of divalent metal cations for improving the stability of an aqueous solution composition comprising daptomycin of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0, wherein the composition optionally comprises one or more buffers being substances having at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition; and wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a minimal amount of buffer for improving the stability of an aqueous solution composition of daptomycin and a divalent metal cation of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0, wherein composition comprises one or more buffers being substances having at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition; and wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM.

In an embodiment, the composition of the invention is a composition for use in therapy. In an embodiment, the composition of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition.

All embodiments described above with respect to the aqueous solution composition apply equally to methods and uses of the invention.

There is also provided a container, for example made of plastics or glass, containing one dose or a plurality of doses of the composition as described herein. The container can be for example, a vial, a pre-filled syringe, a pre-filled infusion bag, or a cartridge designed to be a replaceable item for use with an injection device. In one embodiment, there is provided a vial containing a composition as described herein, suitably a 10 mL vial, suitably comprising 500 mg of daptomycin.

The compositions of the invention may suitably be packaged for injection, especially intravenous infusion or intravenous injection.

A desirable presentation of a stable liquid daptomycin formulation is a 50 mg/ml product formulated either in a vial or in a pre-filled syringe. The product will be ready to administer by IV injection without a further dilution (e.g. over a 2 minute period). Alternatively, the product will be administered by an IV infusion (e.g. a 30 minute infusion) following dilution to a required concentration. The daptomycin concentration in the diluted solution may vary depending on the indication and the patient receiving the infusion, e.g. between 0.5-10 mg/ml, e.g. 1-5 mg/ml. According to certain embodiments, compositions of the invention are hypertonic but may nevertheless be tolerable for direct injection without dilution. Compositions of the invention containing a concentration of charged tonicity modifier (e.g. sodium chloride) of about 500 mM or more, particularly 1 M or more are suitably diluted before administration. Example diluents include water for injection, isotonic saline and isotonic dextrose solution.

The compositions of the invention may have a wide range of osmolarity values, including hypotonic, isotonic and hypertonic compositions. When intended for direct administration (e.g. IV injection without dilution), suitably, the compositions of the invention are substantially isotonic. In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention are isotonic. Suitably, the osmolarity of the compositions of the invention is selected to minimize pain according to the route of administration e.g. upon injection. Suitable compositions of the invention when intended for direct administration have an osmolarity (excluding any contribution to osmolarity from daptomycin) in the range of about 200 mOsm/L to about 500 mOsm/L. Suitably, the osmolarity (excluding any contribution to osmolarity from daptomycin) is in the range of about 250 mOsm/L to about 350 mOsm/L, more suitably, about 300 mOsm/L.

Compositions of the invention are useful for the treatment of bacterial infections e.g. complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), or Staphylococcus Aureus bloodstream infections (bacteremia).

Compositions of the invention are expected to have good physical and chemical stability as described herein.

Additional Clauses of the Invention

1. An aqueous solution composition of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0 comprising:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof;     -   a divalent metal cation; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and         which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM.

2. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 1, wherein the concentration of daptomycin, or the analogue thereof, or the salt thereof, is >25 mg/ml, such as ≥27 mg/ml, ≥30 mg/ml, ≥35 mg/ml, ≥40 mg/ml, ≥45 mg/ml or ≥50 mg/ml.

3. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 1, wherein the concentration of daptomycin, or the analogue thereof, or the salt thereof, is 30-100 mg/ml, such as 30-60 mg/ml, such as 35-60 mg/ml, 40-60 mg/ml or 45-55 mg/ml.

4. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the composition comprises water in an amount of at least 65% (w/v), such as at least 70% (w/v), at least 75% (w/v), at least 80% (w/v), at least 85% (w/v), or at least 90% (w/v).

5. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the concentration of divalent metal cation is 10-150 mM, such as 20-130 mM, 30-120 mM, 40-100 mM, 40-80 mM or 50-70 mM.

6. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the divalent metal cation is selected from calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc ions.

7. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 6, wherein the divalent metal cation is calcium ion.

8. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 6, wherein the divalent metal cation is magnesium ion.

9. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the total concentration of buffers is 0-4 mM such as 0-3 mM, 0-2 mM, 0-1 mM, 0-0.5 mM, 0-0.4 mM, 0-0.3 mM, 0-0.2 mM or 0-0.1.

10. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the aqueous solution composition is substantially free of buffer.

11. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the buffer or buffers is/are selected from the group consisting of maleate, sulphite, aspartame, aspartate, glutamate, tartrate, gluconate, adenine, succinate, ascorbate, benzoate, phenylacetate, gallate, cytosine, p-aminobenzoic acid, sorbate, acetate, propionate, alginate, urate, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulphonic acid, bicarbonate, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) iminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane, N-(2-acetamido)-2-iminodiacetic acid, 2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)amino]ethanesulphonic acid, piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulphonic acid) (PIPES), phosphate, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid, 3-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid, triethanolamine, piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, N-tris(hydroxymethyl)glycine, N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulphonic acid, citrate and salts thereof, and combinations thereof.

12. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 11, wherein the buffer is selected from the group consisting of maleate, tartrate, lactate, benzoate, acetate, bicarbonate, phosphate, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and citrate, especially phosphate.

13. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the pH is in the range 6.0 to 7.0, and the composition optionally comprises one or more buffers being substances having at least one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 4.0 to 9.0 and which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition.

14. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, further comprising a stabilizer in a stabilizing amount.

15. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, further comprising a surfactant.

16. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 15, wherein the surfactant is present at a concentration of 0.01-10 mg/ml, such as 0.05-2 mg/ml.

17. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant.

18. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 17, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl glycoside, a polysorbate, an alkyl ether of polyethylene glycol, a block copolymer of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, and an alkylphenyl ether of polyethylene glycol.

19. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 17 or clause 18, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is present at a concentration of 10-10,000 μg/ml, such as 10-8,000 μg/ml, 10-5,000 μg/ml, 10-3,000 μg/ml, 10-2000 μg/ml, 50-1000 μg/ml, 100-500 μg/ml or about 200 μg/ml.

20. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the surfactant is a cationic surfactant.

21. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 20, wherein the cationic surfactant is selected from benzalkonium and benzethonium salts.

22. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, ammonium dodecyl sulfate, a carboxylate salt (sodium or ammonium salt of stearic or palitic acid), or an ether phosphate.

23. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the surfactant is a zwitterionic surfactant such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatitylethanolamine or 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS).

24. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 23, further comprising an antioxidant.

25. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 24, wherein the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of methionine, glutathione, ascorbate, butylated hydroquinone, lactate, nicotinamide, nicotinate, tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine; and in particular is methionine.

26. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 24 or clause 25, wherein the antioxidant is present at a concentration of 1-100 mg/ml, such as 5-50 mg/ml.

27. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clause 1 to 26, further comprising a chelating agent.

28. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 27, wherein the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of EDTA, EGTA and citrate.

29. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 27 or clause 28, wherein the chelating agent is present at a concentration of 0.1-20 mM, such as 0.1-15 mM, 0.1-10 mM, 0.1-5 mM or 0.1-1 mM.

30. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 29, further comprising a polyanion.

31. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 30, wherein the polyanion is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose and dextran sulfate.

32. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 31, wherein the polyanion is present at a concentration of 1-10 mg/ml, such as 1-5 mg/ml.

33. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 32, further comprising a polycation.

34. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 33, wherein the polycation is an oligomer of ethyleneimine selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine and pentaethylenehexamine; and in particular is TETA.

35. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 33 or clause 34, wherein the polycation is present at a concentration of 1-10 mg/ml, such as 1-5 mg/ml.

36. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 35, further comprising a charged amphiphilic species.

37. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 36, wherein the charged amphiphilic species is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, 1-naphthoic acid, 2-naphthoic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, cis-cinnamic acid and mandelic acid, and in particular is benzoic acid.

38. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 36 or clause 37, wherein the charged amphiphilic species is present at a concentration of 1-100 mM, such as 5-20 mM.

39. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 38, further comprising a tonicity modifier.

40. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 39, wherein the tonicity modifier is an uncharged tonicity modifier and is selected from the group consisting of sugars, sugar alcohols, other polyols and polyethylene glycols.

41. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 40, wherein the uncharged tonicity modifier is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, mannitol, sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, lactose, PEG300 and PEG400.

42. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 40 or clause 41, wherein the concentration of the uncharged tonicity modifier is 50-5000 mM, such as 100-1000 mM, such as 100-500 mM, such as 200-400 mM, such as about 300 mM.

43. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 39, wherein the tonicity modifier is a charged tonicity modifier and is suitably selected from sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, and an amino acid e.g. glycine or arginine especially sodium chloride.

44. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 43, wherein the concentration of the charged tonicity modifier is 50-2000 mM, 50-1000 mM, such as 50-500 mM such as 100-200 mM, such as about 150 mM.

45. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 43, wherein the concentration of the charged tonicity modifier is 300 mM or more e.g. 500 mM or more e.g. 500-3000 mM e.g. 1000-2500 mM e.g. e.g. 1500-2500 mM e.g. around 2000 mM 46. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 45, further comprising an amino acid.

47. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 46, wherein the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine, proline, methionine, arginine, lysine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, in particular selected from the group consisting of glycine, proline, methionine, arginine, lysine and aspartic acid.

48. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 46 or clause 47, wherein the amino acid is present at a concentration of 1-200 mM, such as 1-100 mM, 1-50 mM, 1-20 mM, 1-10 mM, 1-5 mM, 1-4 mM, 1-3 mM or 1-2 mM.

49. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 48, wherein composition comprises no more than 5% total impurities, such as no more than 4% total impurities, no more than 3% total impurities, or no more than 2% total impurities (by total weight of daptomycin in the composition, as measured by RP-HPLC) following storage at 2-8° C. for at least 6 months, preferably at least 12 months, most preferably at least 18 months.

50. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 49, wherein the composition comprises no more than 5% total impurities, such as no more than 4% total impurities, no more than 3% total impurities, or no more than 2% total impurities (by total weight of daptomycin in the composition, as measured by RP-HPLC) following storage at 25° C. for at least 2 weeks, preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 8 weeks.

51. An aqueous solution composition of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0 comprising:

-   -   daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof;     -   a divalent metal cation; and     -   optionally one or more buffers being substances having at least         one ionisable group with a pK_(a) in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and         which pK_(a) is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition;

wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM; wherein the concentration of daptomycin, or the analogue thereof, or the salt thereof, in the composition is 30 mg/ml and wherein the composition comprises water in an amount of at least 90% (w/v).

52. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 51 wherein the pH is in the range 6.0 to 7.0.

53. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 51 or clause 52 wherein the aqueous solution composition is substantially free of buffer.

54. An aqueous solution composition according to clause 51 or clause 52 wherein the total concentration of buffers is 0.5-5 mM, such as 0.5-4 mM, 0.5-3 mM, 0.5-2 mM or 0.5-1 mM.

55. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 51, 52 and 54 wherein the buffer is phosphate.

56. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 51 to 55 comprising a charged tonicity modifier such as sodium chloride at a concentration of 300 mM or more e,g, 500 mM or more

57. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 56, which is a composition for use in therapy.

58. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 57, which is a pharmaceutical composition.

59. An aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 58 for use in the treatment of bacterial infections.

60. A method of treatment of bacterial infections in a patient, such as a human patient, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 58.

61. Use of an aqueous solution composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 58 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of bacterial infections.

EXAMPLES

General Methods

Reversed-Phase Chromatography (RP-HPLC)—Method 1

Ultra-high performance reverse phase chromatography was performed using the Waters ACQUITY H-class Bio UPLC® system with a 5 μm Zorba Eclipse XDB-C18 150×4.6 mm column. Mobile Phase A (50 mM sodium phosphate in MQW) and Mobile Phase B (50% CAN, 25 mM sodium phosphate in MQW) were used in gradient elution. Injection volume was 10 μl and flow rate was 1 mL/min, with 214 nm UV detection. All analyses were performed at 60° C.

Reversed-Phase Chromatography (RP-HPLC)—Method 2

Ultra-high performance reverse phase chromatography was performed using the Thermo-scientific Ultimate 3000 UPLC® system with a 5 μm Kinetix C8 250×4.6 mm column. Isocratic elution was used. The mobile phase consisted of 50 mM ammonium dihydrogen phosphate in MQW, pH 5.0 (70%) and acetonitrile (30%). Injection volume was 10 μl and flow rate was 1.5 mL/min, with 214 nm UV detection. All analyses were performed at 25° C.

Example 1—Effect of Calcium Cations and Other Formulation Conditions on the Stability of Daptomycin (50 mg/ml)

Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) was assessed using the RP-HPLC method described in General Methods, following incubation at 25° C. (8 weeks) and 2-8° C. for 26 weeks in the compositions shown in Table 1 and 2.

TABLE 1 Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) following incubation at 2-8° C. for 26 weeks. RP- HPLC method 1 was used and stability is expressed as % retention of the main peak vs. time zero Calcium Magnesium Formulation Phosphate ADA* chloride chloride Arginine % RP-HPLC main peak No. (mM) (mM) (mM) (mM) (mM) pH (vs. time zero) 1-1 — — — — — 6.0 84.62 1-2 — — 30 — — 6.0 94.98 1-3 — — 60 — — 6.0 98.98 1-4 — — 120  — — 6.0 99.91 1-5 — — — 30 — 6.0 94.08 1-6 — — — 60 — 6.0 95.74 1-7 — — — 120  — 6.0 98.01 1-8 — 50 60 — — 6.0 96.26 1-9 50 — 60 — — 6.0 96.00 1-10 — — 60 — 50 6.0 97.03 1-11 — — 60 — — 7.0 98.86 1-12 — — 60 — — 8.0 95.11 1-13 — — 60 — — 5.0 93.12 1-14 — — 60 — — 4.0 81.35 *ADA = 2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-(carboxymethyl)amino]acetic acid.

TABLE 2 Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) following incubation at 25° C. for 8 weeks. RP-HPLC method 1 was used and stability is expressed as % retention of the main peak vs. time zero. Calcium Magnesium % RP-HPLC main peak Formulation chloride chloride (vs. time zero) No. (mM) (mM) pH 25° C. (8 weeks) 1-1 — — 6.0 71.7 1-2 30 — 6.0 84.2 1-3 60 — 6.0 90.0 1-4 120  — 6.0 90.4 1-5 — 30 6.0 79.6 1-6 — 60 6.0 84.0 1-7 — 120  6.0 87.7

It was shown that the presence of calcium chloride improved the stability of daptomycin at pH 6.0. The magnitude of the improvement increased with increasing concentration of calcium in the composition. The presence of magnesium chloride also appeared to improve the stability of daptomycin in a concentration-dependent manner, although the magnitude of the improvement was lower than that brought about by calcium at the same concentration.

Interestingly, it was also demonstrated that the presence of a 50 mM buffer (phosphate or ADA) resulted in an impairment in stability in the presence of 60 mM calcium. This is in contrast with the results reported in WO2011/035108A1. Similarly, the presence of arginine at 50 mM also led to an impairment of daptomycin stability, which is in contrast with the results reported in WO2011/062676A1.

Lastly, it was shown that the optimal pH for daptomycin (50 mg/ml) stability in the presence of calcium is approximately 6.0-7.0.

Example 2—Effect of pH and Additional Formulation Parameters on the Stability of Daptomycin (50 mg/ml) in the Presence of Calcium Chloride

Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) was assessed using the RP-HPLC method 2 described in General Methods, following incubation at 25° C. (8 weeks) in the compositions shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) following incubation at 25° C. for 8 weeks. RP-HPLC method 2 was used and stability is expressed as % retention of the main peak vs. time zero. Calcium Sodium % RP-HPLC main peak Formulation chloride chloride Glycerol 1,2-propanediol (vs. time zero) No. (mM) (mM) (mM) (mM) pH 25° C. (8 weeks) 2-1 60 — — — 5.0 65.2 2-2 60 — — — 6.0 89.4 2-3 60 — — — 7.0 93.1 2-4 60 — — — 8.0 82.3 2-5 60 150 — — 6.0 89.9 2-6 60 2000  — — 6.0 95.9 2-7 60 — 300 — 6.0 89.1 2-8 60 — — 300 6.0 89.2 2-9 60 — — 2000  6.0 89.8

In this experiment it was shown that the pH optimum for daptomycin stability in the presence of calcium chloride is around 7.0. The stability at pH 7.0 was better than at pH 6.0 and considerably better than at pH 5.0 and 8.0. Addition of a polyol (glycerol at 300 mM or 1,2-propanediol at 300 mM and 2000 mM) had a limited impact on daptomycin stability in the presence of calcium chloride at pH 6.0. Addition of 150 mM sodium chloride also had a limited impact on daptomycin stability in the presence of calcium chloride at pH 6.0. In contrast, addition of a higher concentration (2000 mM) of sodium chloride resulted in further considerable improvement in stability of daptomycin stability in the presence of calcium chloride.

Example 3—Effect of pH and Additional Formulation Parameters on the Stability of Daptomycin (50 mg/ml) in the Presence of Calcium Chloride

Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) was assessed using the RP-HPLC method 2 described in General Methods, following incubation at 25° C. (8 weeks) in the compositions shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) following incubation at 25° C. for 8 weeks. RP-HPLC method 2 was used and stability is expressed as % retention of the main peak vs. time zero. Calcium Sodium % RP-HPLC main peak Formulation chloride chloride (vs. time zero) No. (mM) (mM) pH 25° C. (8 weeks) 3-1 60 — 6.0 92.6 3-2 60 — 6.5 91.2 3-3 60 — 7.0 88.9 3-4 60 150 6.0 92.9 3-5 60 500 6.0 93.9 3-6 60 1000 6.0 94.8 3-7 60 2000 6.0 94.9 3-8 60 150 7.0 88.8 3-9 60 500 7.0 89.6 3-10 60 1000 7.0 92.1 3-11 60 2000 7.0 93.8

In this experiment it was shown that the pH optimum for daptomycin stability in the presence of calcium chloride is around 6.0. The stability at pH 6.0 was better than at pH 6.5 and at 7.0. The results show that the stability of the formulation progressively increased as the concentration of sodium chloride was increased from 150 mM to 2000 mM.

Example 4—Effect of Buffers on the Stability of Daptomycin (50 mg/ml) in the Presence of Calcium Chloride

Study A

Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) was assessed using the RP-HPLC method 2 described in General Methods, following incubation at 25° C. (8 weeks) in the compositions shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) following incubation at 25° C. for 8 weeks. RP-HPLC method 2 was used and stability is expressed as % retention of the main peak vs. time zero. Calcium Sodium % RP-HPLC main peak Formulation chloride Histidine phosphate ADA PIPES (vs. time zero) No. (mM) (mM) (mM) (mM) (mM) pH 25° C. (8 weeks) 4-1 60 — — — 6.0 89.4 4-2 60 20 — — 6.0 90.4 4-3 60 — 20 — 6.0 89.1 4-4 60 — — 20 6.0 88.9 4-5 60 — — — 20 6.0 89.9

In this study, the presence of a buffer at a concentration of 20 mM did not appear to impact on chemical stability to a very significant effect. The formulation without buffer was very stable. It was noted that the composition containing ADA at a concentration of 20 mM contained visible particles after storage at 25° C. for 8 weeks whereas the other formulations presented in Table 5 did not show any visible particles after corresponding storage. Therefore, ADA appears to impair physical stability in this composition.

Study B

A more thorough study was undertaken to investigate the effect of histidine in formulations of daptomycin. The source of daptomycin was different from that of Study A. Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) was assessed using the RP-HPLC method 2 described in General Methods, following incubation at 25° C. (8 weeks) in the compositions shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Stability of daptomycin (50 mg/ml) following incubation at 25° C. for 8 weeks. RP-HPLC method 2 was used and stability is expressed as % retention of the main peak vs. time zero. Calcium % RP-HPLC main peak Formulation chloride Histidine (vs. time zero) No. (mM) (mM) pH 25° C. (8 weeks) 4-6 60 — 6.0 92.6 4-7 60 10 6.0 91.0 4-8 60 20 6.0 88.0 4-9 60 60 6.0 84.7 4-10 60 — 7.0 88.9 4-11 60 10 7.0 86.7 4-12 60 20 7.0 84.3 4-13 60 60 7.0 82.1

This study shows that the presence of histidine buffer is deleterious to the stability of the formulation when used at a concentration of 10 mM or higher.

Taking the results of Study A and Study B together: Buffer free formulations are very stable. Histidine and ADA are generally not tolerated in the formulation and their presence appears to reduce stability. Sodium phosphate and PIPES appear to be tolerated at a concentration of up to 20 mM.

Throughout the specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer, step, group of integers or group of steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer, step, group of integers or group of steps.

All patents, patent applications and references mentioned throughout the specification of the present invention are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference.

The invention embraces all combinations of preferred and more preferred groups and suitable and more suitable groups and embodiments of groups recited above. 

1-35. (canceled)
 36. An aqueous solution composition of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0 comprising: a. daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof, and b. a divalent metal cation.
 37. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, wherein the concentration of divalent metal cation is 10-150 mM.
 38. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, wherein the divalent metal cation is calcium ion or a magnesium ion.
 39. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, wherein the aqueous solution composition is substantially free of buffer.
 40. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, further comprising a stabilizer in a stabilizing amount.
 41. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, further comprising an antioxidant.
 42. The aqueous solution composition of claim 41, the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of methionine, glutathione, ascorbate, butylated hydroquinone, lactate, nicotinamide, nicotinate, tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine.
 43. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, further comprising a tonicity modifier.
 44. The aqueous solution composition of claim 43, wherein the tonicity modifier is an uncharged tonicity modifier and is selected from the group consisting of sugars, sugar alcohols, other polyols and polyethylene glycols.
 45. The aqueous solution composition of claim 44, wherein the uncharged tonicity modifier is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, mannitol, sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, lactose, PEG300 and PEG400.
 46. The aqueous solution composition of claim 44, wherein the concentration of the uncharged tonicity modifier is 50-5000 mM.
 47. The aqueous solution composition of claim 43, wherein the tonicity modifier is a charged tonicity modifier, the charged tonicity modifier is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, and an amino acid.
 48. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, further comprising one or more buffers being substances having at least one ionisable group with a pKa in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and which pKa is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition, wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM.
 49. The aqueous solution composition of claim 48, wherein the one or more buffers is selected from the group consisting of maleate, sulphite, aspartame, aspartate, glutamate, tartrate, gluconate, adenine, succinate, ascorbate, benzoate, phenylacetate, gallate, cytosine, histidine, p-aminobenzoic acid, sorbate, acetate, propionate, alginate, urate, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulphonic acid, bicarbonate, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) iminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane, A/-(2-acetamido)-2-iminodiacetic acid, 2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)amino]ethanesulphonic acid, piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulphonic acid) (PIPES), phosphate, A/,/V-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid, 3-[A/,A/-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid, triethanolamine, piperazine-A/.A/′-bis(2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid), tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane,A/-tris(hydroxymethyl)glycine, A/-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-am inopropanesulphonic acid, citrate and salts thereof, and combinations thereof.
 50. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, wherein composition comprises no more than 5% total impurities by total weight of the daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof in the aqueous solution composition, as measured by RP-HPLC, following storage at 2-8° C. for at least 6 months.
 51. The aqueous solution composition of claim 36, wherein the composition comprises no more than 5% total impurities by total weight of daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof in the aqueous solution composition, as measured by RP-HPLC, following storage at 25° C. for at least 2 weeks.
 52. An aqueous solution composition of pH in the range 5.0 to 8.0 comprising: a. daptomycin or an analogue thereof, or a salt thereof; b. a divalent metal cation; and c. a tonicity modifier, an amino acid, or a combination thereof.
 53. The aqueous solution composition of claim 52, wherein the tonicity modifier is an uncharged tonicity modifier and is selected from the group consisting of sugars, sugar alcohols, other polyols and polyethylene glycols.
 54. The aqueous solution composition of claim 52, wherein the tonicity modifier is a charged tonicity modifier, the charged tonicity modifier is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, and an amino acid.
 55. The aqueous solution composition of claim 52, wherein the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of methionine, glycine, proline, arginine, lysine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid.
 56. The aqueous solution composition of claim 52, further comprising one or more buffers being substances having at least one ionisable group with a pKa in the range 3.0 to 9.0 and which pKa is within 2 pH units of the pH of the composition, wherein the buffers are present at a total concentration of 0-5 mM. 